Establishment of 7 multi-party framework agreements for training services: Category 3 and Category 4

AI-generated analysis of the documents. Check the official notice and any amendments for current submission details.

1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

This procurement seeks to establish seven multi-party framework agreements for the delivery of training services across two primary categories: Operational Excellence & Leadership, and Regulation, Standards & Risk Management. Up to ten Economic Operators will be admitted per sub-category. The frameworks will facilitate the technical up-skilling and transversal development of adult learners in industry. Training will encompass certified pathways (QQI and NFQ levels) and uncertified/bespoke training, including hands-on workshops, blended/modular programmes, and Work-Based Learning. Delivery can occur nationwide, either in-person or online. The objective is to develop a skilled workforce for green and digital transitions within manufacturing, fabrication, civil infrastructure, and heavy engineering sectors.

The scope is divided into the following sub-categories:

• Category 3: Operational Excellence & Leadership

• 3.1 AI and Data-driven Problem Solving and Performance Measurement: Training on process metrics, KPIs, statistical thinking, data integrity, visualisation, interpretation, decision-making, process capability, variation, and problem-solving methodologies.

• 3.2 Certified Project Management: Training in Fundamentals and Strategic Project/Change Management (PMP/Agile).

• 3.3 Lean and Continuous Improvement: Training on Yellow, Green, and Black Belt methodologies applied to Job-Shop, Batch, and Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM).

• Category 4: Regulation, Standards & Risk Management

• 4.1 Auditing: Internal and Lead Auditor training for ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 50001, and 27001.

• 4.2 Industry Standards: Training on compliance for ISO, EN 1090 (Steel), CE/UKCA marking, IATF, AS9100, and GWO safety standards.

• 4.3 Quality & Validation: Training in applied statistics, GD&T, and digital-first tools (LabVIEW) for automated testing and data acquisition/analysis.

• 4.4 Asset Risk: Training on machinery safety (ISO 12100/13849), multi-vendor interoperability, and component interchangeability to minimise critical downtime.

The frameworks will support sectors including, but not limited to: Agricultural and Marine, Automotive, Aerospace and Defence, Engineering and Building services, Energy and Environment, Industrial Automation, Materials handling, Metal fabrication and Processing, Packaging, Paper and Print, and Precision Engineering. There is no guarantee of contract awards; however, arising contracts will be consulted upon with framework members. A dedicated contract manager will be required for each appointed framework member.

3. Background & buyer context

Engineering Skillnet, part of IBEC, is the Contracting Authority for this procurement. The initiative aligns with national objectives for up-skilling the workforce, particularly in response to green and digital transitions within key industrial sectors. The procurement is structured as a single-stage procedure with negotiation, aiming to establish multi-party framework agreements. This approach allows for a competitive process to select multiple providers for each category, ensuring a range of training services are available. The frameworks are intended to provide a flexible mechanism for awarding individual contracts over their duration. This tender is separate from a concurrent procurement for Categories 1 and 2 (Advanced Technical & Digital Engineering and Infrastructure, Renewables & Sustainability).

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for evaluation. These criteria are assessed on a pass/fail basis.

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender. However, tenderers must demonstrate financial capacity to pay debts as they fall due, with evidence required prior to award. SMEs are defined as enterprises with fewer than 250 persons and annual turnover not exceeding €50 million, or annual balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €2.0 million
• Certifications: Tenderers must demonstrate a commitment to quality assurance, detailing policies and systems, and whether externally certified. Compliance with relevant Safety, Health & Welfare at Work legislation is mandatory. Specific standards mentioned in relation to training content include ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 50001, 27001, EN 1090 (Steel), CE/UKCA marking, IATF, AS9100, GWO safety standards, and ISO 12100/13849 for machinery safety.
• Past experience: Tenderers must demonstrate, within the last three years, successful delivery of contracts/services of a relevant nature and comparable scale on two occasions for each Category applied for.
• Personnel: Tenderers must demonstrate access to skilled personnel and provide details of their specific relevant skills and qualifications for each category. CVs are required for nominated resources. A dedicated contract manager must be nominated.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Training can take place at various locations nationwide, in person or online. No specific geographic constraints are stated for tenderer location.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The framework will be awarded on the basis of the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), considering the following criteria and weightings. A minimum score of 50% is required for qualitative criteria to be considered acceptable.

• Cost: Based on an average daily rate (minimum 4 hours contact time).
• Approach and Methodology: Evaluates design/development of content, planning and delivery, assessment and feedback, post-training support, and reporting/client engagement.
• Quantity and Balance of Resources: Assesses access to skilled personnel, their specific skills, and qualifications.
• Contract Management: Evaluates proposals for maintaining a good working relationship, reporting, dispute resolution, and efficiency improvements.

6. Submission requirements

Tenderers must submit their responses electronically via the eTenders postbox facility. The following documents are mandatory:

• Tender Response Document (TRD): This includes Appendix 1 (Selection Criteria Response Document) and Appendix 2 (Award Criteria Response Document). Tenderers must complete Appendix 1 once and Appendix 2 for each category applied for.
• Pricing Schedule: Appendix 3, to be completed for each category.
• Declarations:
• European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) or equivalent evidence.
• Declaration of Bona Fides.
• Declaration regarding compliance with statutory obligations.
• Article 5K Declaration (EU regulation 2022/576 on restrictive measures).
• Confirmation of tax compliance.
• CVs: For each nominated resource.
• Evidence of Financial Standing: Auditor's letter or other objective means.
• Evidence of Insurance Cover: Confirmation of required levels.
• Evidence of Past Experience: Details of two comparable contracts per category.
• Framework Terms and Conditions: Tenderers must indicate acceptance of Appendix 4.

Submissions should be uploaded as a ZIP file.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The framework agreement has an initial term of three years, with the option for the Contracting Entity to extend it for two additional two-year periods, up to a maximum of seven years, subject to performance and budget. Payment terms are not explicitly detailed but require invoices to be submitted within 90 days of receipt. There are no specific SLAs or KPIs detailed in the provided extract, nor are liquidated damages mentioned. Termination clauses are not detailed, beyond the Contracting Authority's right to award a contract to a next-highest-ranked tenderer if a framework member cannot deliver services satisfactorily. Intellectual property ownership is not specified. Sub-contracting rules are not detailed. A parent company guarantee or bond is not mentioned.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The estimated value of €1.4 million for a potential seven-year framework suggests a relatively low average annual spend, which may impact the viability for larger service providers. The framework is multi-party, with up to ten members per sub-category, indicating significant competition among successful bidders. The contracting authority reserves the right to go outside the framework for procurement, meaning admission does not guarantee contract awards. The tender uses a single-stage procedure with negotiation, which can be complex for bidders unfamiliar with the process. A tender validity period of 12 months is required, which is substantial.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured to allow participation by SMEs, who are encouraged to form relationships with other SMEs or larger enterprises to meet capacity requirements. Tenderers can rely on the resources of other entities. The requirement for two past comparable contracts per category, within the last three years, is a key hurdle. Bidders should have demonstrable experience in the specific training areas outlined. The bid preparation effort is moderate, requiring completion of specific response documents and appendices. The multi-party nature and the €1.4 million total estimated value suggest that the framework is likely to be contested, and while there is no explicit mention of an incumbent, the structure implies a competitive market. The Pwin signal is neutral; the tender is open to specialist training providers capable of meeting the stated criteria.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: IBEC-ENG Skillnet RFT Multi-Party FW Cat 3 and 4 FINAL.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: 8809450
• Contact / Clarification Portal: Messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Key Attachments:
• Appendix 1 Selection Criteria Response Document Categories 3 and 4
• Appendix 2 Award Criteria Response Document Categories 3 and 4
• Appendix 3 Pricing Schedule Categories 3 and 4
• Appendix 4 FWA Multi Party Framework Terms and Conditions